Grape Varieties

Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the world's most widely recognized red wine grape varieties. It is grown in nearly every major wine producing country among a diverse spectrum of climates from Canada's Okanagan Valley to Lebanon's Beqaa Valley.

Pinot Noir is one of the oldest and most revered red wine grape varieties in the world, originating in the Burgundy region of France over 1,000 years ago. Known for its elegance and complexity, Pinot Noir is also one of the most finicky grapes to grow—earning it the nickname “the heartbreak grape.” Its thin skins make it susceptible to disease, but when cultivated in ideal conditions, it can produce some of the world’s most extraordinary wines.

Syrah (also known as Shiraz in Australia and South Africa) is a powerful, dark-skinned grape with ancient origins in the Northern Rhône of France. Known for producing rich, spicy, and long-lived wines, Syrah thrives in both Old World and New World climates. The name “Syrah” is generally used in France and cooler climates, while “Shiraz” is the preferred term in warmer regions like Australia, where the style tends to be riper and more fruit-forward.

Merlot is one of the most widely planted and enjoyed red wine grapes in the world, celebrated for its soft, fruity profile and smooth tannins. Originating in Bordeaux, France, Merlot is traditionally blended with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc on the Right Bank, especially in prestigious appellations like Saint-Émilion and Pomerol.

Malbec is a dark-skinned red grape variety originally from Cahors in southwest France, where it is still grown under the name “Côt.” However, it has become synonymous with Argentina, where it thrives in the high-altitude vineyards of Mendoza. In Argentina, Malbec has reinvented itself with a plush, fruit-forward style full of ripe black fruit and smooth tannins.

Tempranillo is the signature red grape of Spain, revered for producing complex, age-worthy wines in regions like Rioja and Ribera del Duero. Its name is derived from the Spanish word temprano, meaning “early,” referencing the grape’s tendency to ripen earlier than other local varieties.

Chardonnay is the most widely planted white grape in the world, known for its chameleon-like ability to reflect its terroir and winemaking. From the steely, mineral whites of Chablis to the opulent, oak-aged wines of Napa, Chardonnay’s style ranges from crisp and linear to rich and creamy.

Sauvignon Blanc is one of the world’s most widely planted and beloved white grape varieties, known for its vibrant acidity, zesty citrus profile, and distinctive herbal and green aromatics. Originating in France’s Loire Valley, it has since become a global favorite, with iconic expressions from New Zealand, California, Chile, South Africa, and beyond.

Riesling is one of the most expressive and age-worthy white grape varieties in the world, capable of producing wines in every sweetness level—from bone dry to lusciously sweet. It is beloved for its laser-sharp acidity, floral and citrus-driven aromatics, and its uncanny ability to reflect terroir.

Pinot Gris, also known as Pinot Grigio in Italy, is a gray-skinned mutation of Pinot Noir and one of the most widely planted and stylistically diverse white grapes in the world. From the rich, oily, and sometimes sweet wines of Alsace to the light, crisp, citrus-driven styles of northern Italy, Pinot Gris adapts to its terroir with remarkable flexibility.

Chenin Blanc is one of the most versatile white grapes in the world, capable of producing dry, off-dry, sweet, and sparkling wines. Native to France’s Loire Valley, it thrives in appellations like Vouvray, Savennieres, and Coteaux du Layon. Its hallmark is bracing acidity, which gives it both energy and exceptional aging potential.

Viognier is a highly aromatic white grape variety originally from the northern Rhône Valley, most famously grown in Condrieu and Château-Grillet. Known for its intense floral and stone fruit aromas, low acidity, and rich texture, it produces wines that are both exotic and luxurious.

Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains is one of the oldest and most aromatic white grapes in the world. Known for its intense grapey aroma, floral perfume, and sweet citrus flavors, Muscat Blanc is grown in a wide range of styles—from dry and still to lightly sparkling (Moscato) and fully sweet dessert wines.